Florida homeowners already face some of the strictest roofing requirements in the nation. With a recent combination of federal trade policies, post-storm demand, and a tight labor market, there is an increase in repair and replacement costs, and industry experts predict little relief in the near future.
Several key factors are converging to create a challenging market for homeowners in South Florida and beyond.
How Federal Tariffs Impact Roofing Materials
On March 12, 2025, the U.S. government reinstated a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum. The policy removed previous exemptions for key trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. While intended to support domestic manufacturing, the tariffs have directly impacted the materials used in nearly every roofing project.
Metal roofing products, which depend on imported steel and aluminum, have seen the sharpest price hikes. By mid-2025, reports showed metal roofing prices had risen by as much as 60 percent in some areas. This followed a further doubling of tariffs on certain steel and aluminum categories.
Even asphalt shingles, Florida’s most common roofing material, are affected. Though largely made in the U.S., their production relies on components subject to the same levies. These include aluminum granules, steel nails, fiberglass mats, and metal flashing. As a result, analysts have tracked shingle cost increases between six and 10 percent for 2025.
The National Association of Home Builders estimates that the combined tariffs could add $9,200 to $10,000 to the cost of a new home. Roofing represents a significant portion of that increase.
Post-Hurricane Demand Creates a Supply Squeeze
The timing of these price pressures is critical for the Sunshine State. Florida’s coastlines are highly exposed to storm activity, and the 2024 hurricane season created a substantial backlog of repair work that extended well into 2025.
The 2024 season was one of the most active on record, producing 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes. This demand surge has reshaped local supply chains.
Data shows that requests for wind-rated roofing materials climbed 47 percent across Palm Beach and Martin Counties between early 2024 and early 2025. This reflects both storm repairs and a shift in consumer behavior, as homeowners increasingly choose higher-grade materials to protect their properties and satisfy insurance requirements.
When a named storm forms, the market shifts quickly. Lead times for specialty materials can stretch significantly. Contractors across South Florida report that once a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico, materials become scarce and project timelines grow unpredictable.
Strict Building Codes Compound the Cost
A layer of complexity unique to South Florida further intensifies these cost pressures. Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are in Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), a designation that imposes wind-uplift standards beyond the statewide Florida Building Code.
Most installations in the HVHZ must be engineered for sustained winds of 130 to 150 miles per hour. This requirement restricts material choices to high-performance systems and adds engineering and approval steps to nearly every project.
These specifications mean that many of the tariffed materials, including high-grade steel panels, aluminum components, and specialized fasteners, are not optional. They are code requirements. What might be a cost-saving alternative in other regions becomes a mandatory and expensive line item in Miami-Dade or Broward County.
Labor Shortages and Climate Add to Project Costs
Beyond materials, the construction industry is projected to face a workforce deficit of 450,000 workers in 2025. Florida’s roofing sector is particularly exposed, as the state’s construction workforce includes an estimated 109,000 undocumented workers, a demographic facing increased uncertainty under current federal immigration policy.
Extreme heat has also compressed productive work hours. By mid-September 2024, South Florida had already recorded more than 85 days with temperatures at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Industry estimates suggest such conditions can extend roofing project timelines by as much as 35 percent, raising labor costs before materials are even factored in.
What the Numbers Mean for Homeowners
For a homeowner in Broward or Palm Beach County, the financial impact is clear. A roof replacement quoted at $15,000 in early 2024 is more likely to cost between $16,500 and $18,000 for the same scope of work today. Full replacement costs for some projects have risen by $1,000 to $4,000 compared to 2023–2024 baselines.
While metal roofing installations, now running between $9 and $16 per square foot, require a larger upfront investment, their durability in hurricane-prone markets remains a compelling advantage. The window for stable pricing typically closes in late spring as hurricane season approaches, materials tighten, and contractor schedules fill.
Navigating a Complex Market
The convergence of these economic and environmental factors creates a challenging landscape for Florida homeowners. Global trade policy continues to influence material costs, while local demand is heavily shaped by storm seasons and some of the nation’s most stringent building codes.
Industry experts anticipate that this cost volatility will likely continue. Homeowners are therefore encouraged to plan major roofing projects well ahead of hurricane season to better ensure material availability and contractor scheduling. Understanding the specific code requirements for a property and budgeting for these persistent market pressures are now critical steps in protecting a home.
In a market defined by volatile material prices and tightening supply chains, expert guidance is a homeowner’s best defense. FoxHaven Roofing brings years of technical and financial expertise to every project, helping South Florida residents secure code-compliant materials and reliable labor in an unpredictable climate. From tariff-impacted metal systems to high-velocity wind upgrades, we ensure your home is protected by the best the industry has to offer, regardless of the economic forecast.
